‘Embarrassing’ – Everton fans hit out as VAR audio from Newcastle United incident is released
The Premier League have released the VAR communication following a controversial penalty incident between Newcastle United and Everton.
Everton felt they should have been awarded a second-half penalty in the 0-0 draw with Newcastle at Goodison Park on Saturday after Dominic Calvert-Lewin went down inside the area. The Everton striker clashed with Newcastle defender Dan Burn and fell down inside the box.
Referee Craig Pawson waved away the appeals and a brief VAR check agreed with his decision.
A Premier League Match Centre statement released straight after the incident read: “The referee’s call of no penalty for the challenge between Calvert-Lewin and Burn is checked and confirmed by VAR – deeming that Calvert-Lewin kicked the back of Burn’s leg.”
On field referee Pawson could be heard saying: “Not [a penalty] for me, not for me. There’s a challenge between the two of them. Not for me.”
VAR Chris Kavanagh then said: “Delay, delay, checking possible penalty. [Burn] gets his foot in front, [Calvert-Lewin] kicks him. It’s not a penalty. That’s not a penalty.”
Assistant VAR Harry Lennard added: “He kicks Dan Burn.”
Kavanagh then told Pawson: “Checked and cleared Craig.”
Everton fans have responded to the footage on social media, labelling it ‘embarrassing’ and ‘corrupt’.
